A councillor has completed a sporting challenge in support of hospice care.
Councillor Beverley Nielsen, chairperson of Malvern Hills District Council, took part in the Upton Triathlon on a day when temperatures reached 31C and completed the sprint distance as the tenth female finisher and the first and only finisher in her age group.
Councillor Nielsen said: "I’d like to thank Malvern Triathlon for their support in enabling me to complete the event, never having done a triathlon before.
"Their training sessions which I’ve attended over the past two months have been really inspiring and I’ve been made to feel so welcome.
"I’d thoroughly recommend joining to anyone thinking of doing a triathlon or just interested in run, swim or bike training."
The Upton Triathlon included a 750-metre swim in the River Severn, a 21-kilometre cycle, and a five-kilometre run.
Cllr Nielsen said the river was "surprisingly warm and lovely" and described Upton-upon-Severn as "really beautiful", with crowds cheering swimmers from the Upton bridge.
READ MORE: Councillor completes charity walk for St Richard's Hospice
She is raising funds for St Richard’s Hospice and has already raised nearly £800, with a target of £1,000 for two recent events.
Cllr Nielsen said: "I’m now fully focussed on my Charity Fashion show for St Richard’s Hospice on September 4 at Malvern Town Football Club, and I’ve been overwhelmed by the support I’ve received so far with 20 female models, 15 young volunteer models still at The Chase School Malvern, and 12 male models.
"I’ll be posting interviews with all our models on social media, so do keep a look out."
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She also thanked local businesses for their support, including Malvern Theatres, Morgan Cars, the Abbey Hotel, Faun, Bar Limon, Austin & Co, the Three Horseshoes, Malvern Lounge, Chocolate Avenue, and Sweet Street.
Raffle prizes have been donated by these businesses, and a picture painted on the night by Malvern artist Phil Ironside will be auctioned.
Cllr Nielsen said: "If people feel able to donate even £1 to St Richard’s Hospice it would be really tremendous.
"If they would like to contribute to my fundraiser it can be found by googling Just Giving Beverley Nielsen."
